Here Are Our Events This Week
Here Are Our Events This Week
Despite the packed schedule, Tobias does have some free time and is usually excited to wind down and head to bed by 7 p.m. Still, I find myself asking: What is too much, and what is not enough? How do we know when we’ve struck the right balance between progress and rest? That's my question for the day. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. How do you feel when your day is fully packed? How does your brain handle that level of activity?
What Does “Too Much” Mean for the Brain?
When our brains are overloaded, it can feel like a constant storm of thoughts and emotions. The human brain thrives on balance. If it’s overstimulated for too long, it can lead to fatigue, stress, and a decreased ability to focus. Just like any other organ, the brain needs moments of rest and relaxation to process and integrate what it’s experienced. When we push past our mental limits, it can impair decision-making, affect mood, and even impact our physical well-being.
Tobias has been making steady improvements, especially in speech therapy. His vocabulary is growing, and the “speech box” he draws from is expanding. When he writes messages, he often tells people that he loves them, he misses them, and asks about their lives. If he’s asked a specific question, he typically responds appropriately. However, when he hasn’t fully listened or is feeling overwhelmed, he defaults to his “love box” phrases, such as “I love you” or “You are cool.” Despite these challenges, Tobias is sharp and aware. He knows what’s going on around him and understands his limitations. His positive attitude is remarkable and humbling.
It’s a reminder for all of us that we often complain too much about life and about things we can’t always control. Our minds can be so busy that they affect how we perceive the world. When our thoughts swirl like a storm, we can feel overwhelmed, making it essential to learn to calm that inner chaos for our own well-being and for those around us.
Scriptures on Taking Care of the Body
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV): “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV): “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
These scriptures remind us of the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds, viewing them as sacred gifts.
Reflecting on Life
Despite the challenges, I feel so grateful for the life we have. Even though life can be rough at times, I’ve come to understand how precious each day truly is. As I grow older, I recognize that every moment has meaning. Life is a one-time gift, and we should aim to live it to the fullest. But what does “living life to the fullest” mean to you?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. What is your version of a fulfilling life? Let’s encourage each other to find the balance between productivity and peace, and to make the most of every single day.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Katja and family :)
Since I have a brain injury, what’s too much for me might be super easy for someone else. Just brushing my hair at first was enough for a needed nap to follow. Thankfully I’ve come far from that, but if I don’t start paying attention to the signs that my brain is tired and I try to push through it, I pay for it with neurofatigue for days. It’s hard to find that balance between what’s enough and what’s too much, and you often don’t know til you’ve past the too much threshold.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing such an amazing job supporting Tobias! I can only imagine how every day feels like too much and to add all the therapies/appointments is overwhelming. Hopefully you’ll be able to tell where the balance is. It may differ from day to day. My therapists would always stop when they could tell I was fading and told me to rest and we’d continue the next time. I know my face would start showing signs that they were great at recognizing. It’s taken me time to figure it out but my husband is pretty good at telling me to rest when he recognizes my overwhelm.